95 years of gears on display at Oerlikon Fairfield

Thomas Lind shows family members on Sunday how locomotive parts are made at Oerlikon Fairfield. The Colfax resident has been a machinist with the company for 25 years.
(Photo:
Haley Dover/Journal & Courier
)

Rowland Mussche couldn’t believe how much has changed since his days at the Lafayette Oerlikon Fairfield factory.

“I tried to find some of the machines I used to work on, but they’re gone now,” the Linden resident said.

Mussche, who worked in the factory from 1963 to 2004, was one of hundreds of retirees and employees celebrating “95 years of gears” at the factory Sunday.

“It’s unbelievable how much has changed — new machinery and just everything is different,” he said.

The company is known for providing drive solutions for agriculture, construction, energy, rail/transport and more. The company has 10 factories worldwide. The Lafayette plant is the largest.

The private celebration Sunday offered self-guided walking tours, product displays, food and kids activities for employees and their families. Dan Phebus, head of the American business unit, said the event is a chance to open the doors and share the facilities with those who may never get to see it.

“We have the biggest operation and make equipment and products that go all over the world,” he said. “Now people can see the hard work their family members put in everyday.”

Lafayette residents Cory Denton and Scott Bailey followed the parts production process. Denton, who said he works mainly in the office, used his knowledge from time spent on the floor to show Bailey how basic materials from vendors turn into parts placed on a tractor or an oil rig.

“I like being able to explain how things are made and show him how everything gets around the plant,” he said.

Thomas Lind of Colfax taught his son about various locomotive parts. Lind has worked as a machinist with Oerlikon Fairfield for 25 years and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his family.

“It’s kind of neat to bring them in here and show them what I do every day,” he said.

With 95 years under their belt, company representatives said Sunday’s celebration is a warm-up for what they’re planning to commemorate in 2019.

“We want to thank Greater Lafayette for 95 years of support and we look forward to 95 more,” Phebus said.